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Florida theme parks to shut down early as Hurricane Dorian nears Florida

Posted: 7:18 PM, Sep 02, 2019

Updated:2019-09-03 06:28:54-04

By:
Mark Saunders

Several Florida theme parks announced closures Tuesday as Hurricane Dorian is expected to near Florida's east coast.

Disney World announced it would close its four theme parks early. Officials said Disney World, its water park, miniature golf courses, and Disney Springs restaurants would close by 3 p.m. Tuesday.

Disney Resort hotels will remain open to guests.

Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground will also close by 3 p.m. Those guests will be relocated to other Disney resorts during campground closures.

Disney's closures are the second set of adjustments the company has made in light of Dorian. Sunday, Disney Cruise Lines was forced to alter schedules and crews were forced to shelter
at the company's Castaway Cay island in the Bahamas as Dorian hit the island region.

More information on reservations and how Disney's closure affect guests can be found here
.

SeaWorld Orlando officials said
the park would be closed completely Tuesday.

"As we continue to monitor Hurricane Dorian's path, the safety of our guests, staff, and animals is our greatest priority," the park posted on Instagram.

Legoland Florida also said the park would remain closed Tuesday and reopen Wednesday, pending Dorian's path.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by Hurricane Dorian. The safety of our employees and guests is our number one priority," the park wrote on Facebook
.

Hurricane Dorian isn't forecasted to make landfall in Florida, but instead come dangerously close to shore. Heavy rains and winds, as well as storm surges, are expected to move onto Florida's coast starting late Monday and lasting for a few days.

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2019 STORM NAMES

HURRICANE TERMS TO KNOW

Tropical Storm WATCH: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified coastal area within 48 hours.

Tropical Storm WARNING: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected within the specified coastal area within 36 hours.

Hurricane WATCH: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible somewhere within the specified coastal area. A hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

Hurricane WARNING: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area. A hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.